Although I have not been lucky enough to experience the great rides of the North Island of New Zealand they certainly do look just as impressive and beautiful as the South Island ones.

HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL

Located just over an hour south of Auckland is the small town of Thames on the way to the Coromandel. From here, you can access the stunning Hauraki Rail Trail. One of New Zealand’s easiest Great Rides.

This trail follows old railway lines between the historic gold towns of Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha and Waihi. It offers contrasting scenery from the salt-licked Firth of Thames and verdant Hauraki Plains, to a rocky gorge strewn with intriguing gold mining relics.

A temperate climate makes this an all-season trail but a distinct lack of shade on the Plains makes sunblock essential in summer!